Development and Transformation of Social Structures

Civilization: Shang and Zhou China

Themes	How does this theme apply to your civilization?
Gender Roles and Relation	Chinese gender relations, like most old civilizations, involved male dominance. It placed value on respect toward women. Women's responsibilities were to take care of the house and to bear children.
Family and Kinship	Chinese families stuck together. Elder members were regarded in great respect for fear that they may punish you later from beyond the grave. Dead family members were worshipped like diety's It was not uncommon to see multiple generations working one field.
Racial and Ethnic Constructions	Chinese didn't mix much with other cultures due to the Himalayas and other land barriers that blocked them off. The Chinese stayed purely Chinese.
Social and Economic Classes	Classes went as follows: Ruling Elites Aristocrats Artisons and Craftsmen Merchants Farmers and Peasants